Honda RA108

Racing car
Car_name = Honda RA108


Category = Formula One
Constructor = Honda Racing F1
Designer = flagicon|Japan Shuhei Nakamoto smaller|(Deputy MD [Technical] ) flagicon|Germany Jörg Zander smaller|(Deputy Technical Director) flagicon|France Loic Bigois smaller|(Head of Aerodynamics)
Team = Honda Racing F1 Team
Drivers = 16. flagicon|UK Jenson Button
17. flagicon|Brazil Rubens Barrichello
Chassis = Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite monocoque
Front suspension = Double wishbone with pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers, Showa dampers
Rear suspension = Double wishbone with pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers, Showa dampers
Engine name = Honda RA808E
Capacity = 2.4L
Configuration = 90° V8, 19,000 RPM rev limited
Turbo/NA = naturally aspirated,
Engine position = mid-mounted
Gearbox name = Honda Carbon composite maincase,
Gears = 7-speed, Honda internals
Type = sequential semi-automatic hydraulic activation
Differential =
Fuel = Elf (5.75% bio fuel)
Oil = Eneos
Tyres = Bridgestone Potenza BBS Forged Magnesium Wheels
Debut = 2008 Australian Grand Prix
Races = 15
Wins = 0
Cons_champ =
Drivers_champ =
Poles = 0
Fastest_laps = 0
The Honda RA108 is a Formula One racing car with which Honda Racing F1 are contesting the 2008 Formula One season.

Launch

The car was unveiled at a test in Valencia on 23 January 2008, a week before the car's official launch, driven by Rubens Barrichello.cite news| title =Barrichello debuts new Honda RA108| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/01/23/barrichello-debuts-new-honda-ra108/| date =| accessdate =|] The car was officially unveiled at the team's operational headquarters in Brackley, England.cite news| title =Honda presents RA108| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/01/29/honda-presents-ra108/| date =| accessdate =|]

For the 2008 season, the Honda F1 team has named Ross Brawn as Team Principal and have a new Deputy Technical Director in the form of former BMW Sauber Chief Designer Jörg Zander.

For the 2008 season, the team has retained their drivers for the previous two seasons, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Honda have also announced that Alexander Wurz has joined the team from Williams, although Wurz announced his retirement from competition in 2007, Wurz could not turn down the prospect of working alongside Ross Brawn.cite news| title =Wurz: Brawn made Honda proposal interesting| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/01/31/wurz-brawn-made-honda-proposal-interesting/| date =| accessdate =|] Honda also confirmed that their young driver line up will include 2006 British Formula 3 Champion Mike Conway and Italian Luca Filippi.

2008 season

Testing

The RA108 has been a constant mid to rear end car in 2008 testing with Jenson Button saying the car lacks "driveability" as the drivers and team adapt the RA108 to new rules.cite news| title =New Honda lacks driveability - Button| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/02/04/new-honda-lacks-driveability-button/| date =| accessdate =|] For the 2008 season, the FIA has implemented rules that require all teams to use one gearbox for four races and a standard McLaren Electronic Systems ECU that prevents the use of driving aids such as traction control and engine braking. Ross Brawn has already said the team has a better chance for the 2009 Formula One season as the regulations for 2009 will be totally new.cite news| title =Brawn turns attention to 2009| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/02/22/brawn-turns-attention-to-2009/| date =| accessdate =|]

Button has commented on how positively the team has developed the RA108.cite news| title =Button positive after final week of testing| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/03/07/button-positive-after-final-week-of-testing/| date =| accessdate =|] At their final week of testing at the Jerez Circuit in Spain, the team added new aerodynamics, with most of the wings being revised. Head of Race and Test Engineering, Steve Clark, believes the car is a clear step forward.cite news| title =Last gasp progress for Honda| publisher =f1.gpupdate.net| url =http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/03/07/last-gasp-progress-for-honda/| date =| accessdate =|]

In the testing in Paul Ricard before the Monaco Grand Prix, a second revision of the "dumbo" wings on the nose, first introduced in the Spanish Grand Prix, was introduced.

Gallery

Complete Formula One results

()* Season in progress

References

External links

* http://www.hondaracingf1.com/loband/car_overview.php - Honda RA108 Overview
* http://www.f1technical.net/news/8129 - RA108 technical specifications